Expert: Ronald Levy, M.D. - 6/8/2007

Question
Hi;

Well recently, I had surgery. 2, actually. A very extensive one where my wisdom teeth were taken out and my upper and lower jaws were moved and held into place with plates and then a minor one, where some of the plates were moved.

After the second surgery I remember being even colder>I'm always cold>, I was shaking a lot more>I always shake>and I couldn't walk, as I was dizzy. I'm not sure what kind of anesteshia I was under for this surgery, but I remember that I didn't go to sleep, as much as I wanted to, and that it was given to me by IV.

Can you explain to me specifically why/how these side effects occured and how? Are these normal side effects?

Please answer by email.

Thank you.

Anne

Answer
The shivering is normal (and it has nothing to do with being cold). Anesthesia affects your temperature control center so you shiver although your body temp is probably normal. The dizziness may be related more to the surgery if they were working near your inner ear which controls balance, etc. This could also cause nausea. It sounds like you got sedation for your second surgery. It is very difficult to get someone very sleepy but not too sleepy (i.e. unconscious). It is probably one of the hardest anesthetics for us to do well.

Ronald Levy, MD
Associate Professor of Anesthesiology
UTMB-Galveston